Yet another huge field turned out for the 32nd Galway Clinic sponsored Streets of Galway 8k Road race, hosted by Galway City Harriers, which took place in summer sunshine on Saturday.
In one of the most exciting races in years, Kevin Maunsell of Clonmel claimed this year's Streets of Galway 8k Road.
In a rare sprint finish down Grattan Road and into South Park, the Tipperary man just held off Freddie Keron Sittuk from Raheny Shamrock for victory in 23.44, by the narrowest of margins, just one second.
A hugely competitive field assembled this year, with many Irish internationals toeing the start line for this 32nd Galway Clinic road race, hosted by Galway City Harriers on Saturday.
A lead group of 10 had set the early pace, including Maunsell, Sittuk, Hugh Armstrong from Ballina AC, Aaron Hanlon of Clonliffe, Alan O'Shea of Bantry AC and Brian Maher of KCH. Just after the 2k mark, Maunsell and Sittuk broke away with a huge injection of pace, and split the group. Armstrong and Hanlon gave chase in third and fourth. Maunsell continued to press hard in the second half of the race on the very fast Prom section, but could not drop Sittuk, and the outcome was still in doubt right until the pair went head to head in the sprint finish. Armstrong pipped Hanlon for third, clocking 24.07 to his rival's 24.14. Keith Fallon of GCH was first Galway athlete home in seventh.
Siobhan O'Doherty from Borrisokane AC claimed the women's title for a second year running, in a time of 27:44 with a comprehensive victory. She was followed home by Caroline Crowley of Crusaders in second in 29.06, and Nicola Duncan from GCH, first Galway athlete home in third place in 29.27.
Ennis Track won the men’s team title, while Crusaders AC of Dublin claimed the women's.
A field of nearly 3,000 runners from Galway city and county took to the streets, including close on 1,000 visitors from home and abroad. The 8km route showcases all the iconic attractions of the city, including the Claddagh, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, the university and the glorious Salthill promenade which attracted hundreds of spectators.
"We would like to express their thanks to the Garda, Civil Defence and the 300 plus volunteers who assisted with race organisation, and are now looking forward to 2018 with Saturday August 11 set as the date for the 33rd Streets of Galway," says GHC.
